Olympics This could work for or against you, but remember the Olympics will be in Beijing in August. Looks like your list consists of places that will all be really hot and humid in late summer.
advice Venice = must eat at Harry's Bar (birthplace of the bellini), ride the gondolas just once...for the hell of it, its really not that magical...the water stinks... but do it in a group so you can get a group discount, try and go when its the season of high tide so that the courtyard of the Doges Palace is flooded and you can ride the gondola into the square
China/Shanghai: I will cover this one. Go when I'm going and I'll show you around =) Bring pairs of your favorite jeans/clothes and you can have another made for a low low price exactly the same style/size.
China/Beijing: Best time to go would be soon AFTER the Olympics when the tickets will likely be cheaper, hotels will be available again, and the Chinese are still keeping good appearances for the few foreigners that haven't yet left.
Thailand: Try to leave Bangkok and explore some of the better cities, bring Pepto Bismal.
Greece/Athens: Hit up an island to take a break from the big city (Athens). I went to Peros which is not as popular (and also not as beautiful but STILL beautiful) as Santorini, though most tourists like to party at Mykinos. Athens....go see the acropolis, avoid eating near there...the prices are exhorbitant, eat a gyro an some dolmas for the hell of it
Rome: If you go to a cafe, stand at the bar, don't sit. That way you wouldn't have to pay a tip/sitting fee. Espressos there come in a small cup the size of your thumb. So to get your money's worth, order a cappacino/latte. Visit the Trevi fountain. Depending on the season, the Spanish steps are ugly because its often under construction or the flowers are being replaced. However, the fancy shopping is along that district. Things are expensive there, including the food. Walk around the city and you'll easily see ruins everywhere. Its like a free museum. Visit the colusseum. There are a lot of ruins around that area. Its usually a pit in the middle of the street barred off by some fencing.
If you have time, go to Florence. I find it has the most authentic Italian feel. It is less chaotic than Rome and don't have as many tourists as Venice.
I am a recent UC Irvine graduate with a thirst for travel and adventure. My blog is all about translating my experiences as a young Black woman finding herself at home and abroad.... full info
Judi
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Olympics
This could work for or against you, but remember the Olympics will be in Beijing in August. Looks like your list consists of places that will all be really hot and humid in late summer.